“Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow. You’re always a day away…”

Those well known, beloved words were sung beautifully, the highlight of  The Galway Drama Club presentation of “Annie.” Students and directors worked hard for many weeks to bring the play to life. Read an independent review of the play at this site: http://www.didyouweekend.com/archives/20564

Despite the time and effort necessary for a big production like this, those involved gladly give their time to make the play the best it can be. Jennica Nash worked behind the scenes, and she decided to see what everybody’s fondest memories were.

Memories of “Annie” Compiled by Jennica Nash

Mrs. Valente- having Jennica insult my basketball skills, when I had a bunch of my bad ideas thrown at the garbage can

Mr. Chatterton- watching Cody have fake conversations on the phone

Elizabeth Gribben- watching everyone do the fast forward or the cue to cue

Kristen Houghton- scaring Jessica Demarest and throwing her shoe

Rob Coolidge- harassing Jessica Demarest

Matt Conti- dancing with Grace Milton while they are singing “Gussie Her Up”

Brianna Flint-  being able to hide and scare each other

Rebecca Relchard- always teasing Matt Conti and Rob Coolidge

Sam Flinton- eating

Cameron Smith- breaking our knife by stabbing everyone

Brady Smith- sleeping on Miss Hannigan’s bed

Cody Alvord- being called Mr. Clean

Grace Milton- dancing with Matt Conti while they are singing “Gussie Her Up”

Katee Horstman- when Ron Lewis lost his pants

Sarah Kopa- Ashley Fredericks chasing Chatty with a dead bug

Ashley Fredericks- chasing Chatty with the bug

Alexis Hidalgo- playing hide and go seek

Jullanna Kopa- having fun with Gabriella Urban and Katee Horstman

Carly Allen- Cameron Smith lifted me as a weight

Lindsey Flint- shadow boxing

George Flint- having battles with knifes

Nicole O’Brien- slipping and falling on my butt

Sarah Ostrowski- cuddling with Caroline Conti

Julia Halbrook- Cody sings about Valentine’s Day to Chatty

Amber Decker- making faces at Caroline Conti

Ron Lewis- scaring everyone

Kelly Phillips- inside jokes and being with my mini-me Amber Alfred Decker

Erin Todd- learning the moon walk

Gabriella Urban- goofing with Julianna Kopa

Joe English- leaving my mic on while I went to the bathroom

Gabriella LaRocca- Alexis Hidalgo falling

Jennica – As you have read there are so many fun things that happen while you do the play, whether it’s just having inside jokes, or goofing around, to playing hide and seek in the dark. We do have do the boring stuff like getting the makeup on getting dressed, and setting scenes up, but we always find ways to make that fun as well.

Everyone had so much stage makeup on with so much foundation all over their faces (and on Cody Alvord’s head) they all were ORANGE! It can be amusing watching them try to quickly change for scenes and try not to ruin their hair.

I think the best memories I had was when we went in the hall to eat dinner and we were all waiting in line, and Cameron Smith was complaining he couldn’t lift weights that day. Next thing we knew Carly Allen was on his shoulders and he was doing squats. Also another great thing Cameron did was stabbed me every time he saw me and I wasn’t looking.

Finally the best of memories were on the last night of the show. It was April Fool’s Day and everyone was bringing in treats to congratulate each other. One family brought in brownies that everyone started eating. Everyone said they were disgusting and threw them out, to find out the brownies where made with relish, black beans, and lots of salt. Overall this play was the best time I had with everyone in a while. Honestly I didn’t mind having to stay till 6 or 8 at night every day for a couple of months. I would give anything to be able do this again next year.

The students involved in the production shared their thoughts on their experiences in the Drama Club, and the value of a group like this in Galway. The following pieces were collected by Kelsey Caruso-Sharpe and displayed at the shows:

This is my second year performing in Galway High Drama I have had a total blast! Not only has it been fun, but because of it, I have become less shy. The first year I performed was last year in “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” Even though I had no lines, I still had to create my own personal character. I needed my own walk and my own style; I could be anyone I wanted. The stage is such a sacred place. It’s a place where everyone works together and you can’t be judged. When you’re on stage you feel like the whole world has dropped out and you can be anyone.

This year I had a great time starring as Pepper. Pepper is definitely somebody I would never act like while being myself. But that’s the whole point of theater. You can become this whole other person. Everything about the character you’re portraying is created by the actor, and that’s all the fun. Everyone, in real life, or on stage, has their own story. And everything they do or say helps portray how they feel or how they’ve been treated in past years. Also, being in a musical makes it even more fun. You get to sing and dance and have a bunch of fun! And even though it takes up a lot of time and it sometimes can be very stressful, everything that happens just adds to the awesomeness of the whole thing. It’s so much fun working with friends and even people I would have never expected to be close with. In both plays I’ve been in, I’ve watched everyone’s confidence grow as well as their personalities. I’m so glad that I’ve been a part of this, and I wouldn’t take back any of my experiences.    – Grace Milton

I have been with the Drama Club for three years now. One as an actor and two were doing lights. I enjoy it a lot because it keeps me off the street and gives me something to do after school. Drama Club gives me a chance to not only listen to great music, and watch great young actors but it gives me something to take pride in and be passionate about. –  Sam Flinton

Doing the play has taught me how to work with others in a well-choreographed group. Even though I wasn’t on stage acting, I feel like I have learned as much as the actors have. Watching the productions inspires me, because I can see how well the student body works together. It’s truly amazing to see. – Matt Conti

The Drama Club means a lot to me because it gives me self-confidence. The play also gives you courage to get up on stage in front of people and sing and dance. I learned new things I didn’t know about like tradition in “Fiddler on the Roof” and that Francis Perkins was the first woman in the cabinet from this show, “Annie”. Please don’t get rid of Drama Club because it really means a lot to me. – Nicole O’Brien

Drama Club should be saved because it teaches students social skills, bravery, and singing skills as well as dancing skills. We become a family for about two to three months. I for one have learned a lot of leadership being the back stage manager. Being part of a group of people you need to have patience, understanding, knowing when to give direction and when to follow directions. You also need to know compassion and how to work with others. Being part of the Drama Club gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself and others. Lastly, Drama Club has also helped me make many new friends. -Kristen Houghton

I was reluctant to join the Drama Club my sophomore year. I didn’t have many friends in the musical, and I wasn’t too sure of my acting skills. Two productions later, I couldn’t be happier that I joined Drama. The members of our cast are always having a great time, and I’ve made countless new friends that I enjoy spending long rehearsals with.

Aside from the social aspect, Drama has served as a constructive outlet for stress. Singing and acting with friends allows us to forget school-related stress and channel our energy into a creative project. Despite our extra-long rehearsals and pre-performance worries, the musical is always a supportive place to be artistic and blow off steam.

Drama Club has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school career. I had a great time working on “Annie”, and I can’t wait to be a part of next year’s show! -Joe English

I am super excited to be a part of the Drama Club this year! I love playing with all the kids and getting lots of attention. I love the feeling of being on stage and bringing smiles to peoples’ faces, it just makes me so happy. I hope that they have the musical again next year so I can come back and visit all of my friends in Galway High Drama, or maybe even have another role! Drama Club is so much fun, and I get to learn new things like how to have a good stage presence and how to be a ‘professional’ actor, and I really really love the Drama Club! –  Gracie

Driven people reaching for a common goal

Really long rehearsals

A bit crazy at times

More rehearsals…

Always turning out for the best

Copious amounts of make up and hair products

Lasting friendships made

Upstanding people met

Believing in yourself

-Cameron Smith

This year’s play and the past 4 plays that I’ve done with the Drama Club have been so much fun. I am looking forward to “Annie”, but I’m also really sad that there won’t be another show for me at Galway. I’m going to miss all the people I’ve become friends with, the inside jokes, and just everything about it. I’ve made so many good friends through Drama Club, and it’s going to be so weird doing plays without all of them in college next year. I’m very thankful that I’ve been a part of the Drama Club because it helped me become a better actor, singer, and performer. I’d like to make a shout out to all my senior buddies who were involved with the play this year (Big Bob, Harry, Melissers, Kelickers, and Cameron). Oh! And good luck in the next couple years to all the youngins. I can’t wait for this show, and I’m glad that we’re ending on a good note! I hope to come back and see the show next year!  – Cody Alvord

Hi I’m Erin Todd, I’ve grown up in Galway and have gone to Galway School District ever since I was little. I’ve grown up participating in plays in the Galway Youth Theater, dancing in the PTSA Dance and Gymnastics, and singing in chorus, and NYSSMA through chorus. Acting has always been fun for me. Ever since my first play “The Little Princess” in kindergarten, I’ve learned many acting skills and methods to use throughout my years and especially this year in joining the Galway High Drama in the production “Annie”. I got out of my comfort zone and auditioned for the lead Annie, which was a good experience for me I successfully have completed 11 years of plays. Being in PTSA Dance I have learned how to dance, all different types of styles and techniques to use to focus. Singing in chorus helped me to become a better singer majorly; I’ve learned to control my tone and how to read music. I even got to go to NYSSMA through chorus.

Being in all these art programs at the school really did help me in life. I discovered the field I want to pursue in the future. Also, without drama, dance, and music my grades would be much worse. I would have to go through the day not looking forward to anything. I want kids after me to find the career they want to go into and without these programs they might not realize that the Arts are for them! –  Erin Todd

For the past 6 years, I have participated in many musicals with Galway. This year is my first experience with Galway High Drama, and I love it. My favorite part of the whole school day was coming to rehearsals and singing my heart out. I’m not sure what I would do with myself if Drama Club no longer existed; it’s a great outlet for my creativity. When I get to rehearsal, it seems all my troubles melt away and I can focus all my energy on singing, acting, and dancing. I’m grateful for the cast, crew and of course the directors. It seems you learn something new almost every day, whether it’s a historical fact, musical notation, or a dance step.

Drama club has helped me build my confidence in everyday life and working on stage has drastically improved my public speaking skills. I look forward to the future years of Drama Club, and am excited for the variety of shows we will be doing! –  Gabbi Urban

I’ve been involved in the Galway Drama Club ever since 8^th grade when I did backstage, and if I hadn’t done it, I wouldn’t have half the friends I do, and I wouldn’t have nearly as much confidence as I do. Drama club allows me to get out of my comfort zone, and be someone I’m usually not like Miss Hannigan. I never would have thought I’d be able to sing a solo in front of lots of people, but this year, I have discovered that I love it! I’ve come out of my shell so much because of drama club, and I really hope that future generations will get the same opportunity. Through the drama club you get such a sense of family and friendship, and it’s quite possibly one of the most fun times of the year. Drama allows the students to meet new people, and experience new things like singing, and dancing on stage.

It might not seem like it, but every day in drama club we learn new things like historical facts, or different things about music. And we learn lessons about life like traditions, issues in society, and having compassion for others. It’s so important that we keep the drama club around so that we can continue learning these things in a way that isn’t sitting down at a desk reading from a boring textbook. I really hope that next year I’ll be able to come back to Galway to see the show, and every year after that I hope that other students get the amazing experiences I have had through the Drama Club. –  Kelsey Caruso-Sharpe

The Drama Club has helped me to become more confident in front of people. I always used to be very shy and fidgety whenever I would have to speak or sing in front of people. It was really bad whenever I would have to present a project to my class, but now I am not so nervous whenever I have to get up in front of people and if I am nervous, I can act like I am not. I think we should keep the drama club for every one of the kids who have yet to have a chance to be part of a group of people working together to put on a show for everyone to see. It has helped me so much this year, and I hope that everyone can have the opportunity that I have had to gain confidence and great new friendships by being in the drama club! – Gabby Larocca

The play is a chance to get to know new people and take yourself to a place other than your everyday life. While in the play I’ve learned confidence and courage to put dance steps to music. Drama Club means every day, after school rehearsals, ridiculous make up that’s caked on in layers, five second costume changes, and learning how close you can get to a group of kids and even teachers in a short period of time. It means learning how to tie a bowtie, and walks in the rain to get food because practice went over time, playing volley ball over the piano back stage and learning how to waltz. The key to every single costume…HAIRSPRAY! Ten people packed into one bathroom doing make up, curling iron trains and back stage hugs. The cast party walk and ­Happiness “catching a firefly, setting it free”. Backstage shadow boxing and most of all laughter. I get to experience these things that brought to us by this drama club. We are a drama filled family. -Lindsey Flint

Drama Club means a lot to me, even though I’m only in 5^th grade. I got picked to do this play and was really excited. Now I’m having the time of my life. “Annie” was really fun to be in! But I’m concerned for the sake of me and the smaller kids. What happens if the Drama Club is gone? What will the kids do if they wanted to be in the Drama Club, they will have nothing but sports and studies. I hope you chose to keep the Drama Club for the sake of me, and the other kids. Julia Holbrook

Being in the production of “Annie” has really inspired me. I have gotten the opportunity to be on stage and get rid of my stage fright. I have also made new friends and gotten closer with my old friends. I have also learned to be responsible. I had to show up to practice every day and learn my lines before a dead line. I have had such a great time being in the Drama Club! – Caroline Conti

I have never been in an actual play before “Annie”, but ever I started I’ve really learned about acting, timing, and teamwork. You might think that being in drama means just standing on stage and just singing, but it’s so much more. Being it drama is like being in a big family the way I see it, the stage is like the living room where all the real action takes place. The director and conductor are like the mother and father, sometimes we might drive them crazy and they might get mad, but their only trying to guide us to not making fools of them and ourselves. They just want us to be the brightest and the best we can be. The actors and actresses that have already been in the plays awhile are like the older siblings giving the young actors tips and advice. So I guess the whole point of this is to say that drama isn’t just about standing on stage singing, bit about having fun, and learning teamwork to bring people together for the show. -George Flint

The play has taught me to be a leader, especially this year. I like acting as different characters and escaping everyday life. It can be stressful at times, but in the end it all pays off and is super fun. – Brady Smith

When I was in 4^th grade, I joined chorus. When I joined I thought it was great and couldn’t wait to go to practices. I may not be in chorus anymore, but my time doing it was great. I am a person who tends to keep to myself, but after joining the Drama Club, I put myself out there more. I didn’t talk much when I was around people, but now I feel like I can. I’ve made new friends, started talking with old friends again and have more confidence in myself. I thank everyone in the Drama Club for making this my best year of high school ever and I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next year! – Ron Lewis

The Drama Club’s production of “Annie” turned out to be a great activity for me! At first I wasn’t too sure about being in a High School play or even having my own lines to say. I was nervous that I would mess up my lines or not be loud enough, but every practice I worked hard at learning lines and being louder. Every day I had the goal to be louder! I finally accomplished that goal. The play has also helped me learn to be more responsible about being on time and learning my lines. The play has also helped me work more as a team and make more friends. I did have some troubles along the way, but what my mom said to me was “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! – Amber Decker

The first thing I have to say is…wow! This experience has been fun and at times frustrating. Staying at play practice until 9:30 almost every night was stressful as times. But eating dinner with the cast members was a bonding experience I will never forget. Going to the school on Saturdays to learn the dance moves thinking I would be the only one who looks like they just woke up, only to find out everybody looks like that. It was time consuming, yet enjoyable. I have met new people and have created lifelong friendships which is all I could really ask for. This experience has been great, there is not enough paper to say all of the fun and exciting times I have had the past months with everybody. I will miss every single one of them, and I hope the seniors are successful and enjoy everything they do. I will miss them so much and I hope to see everyone else in the play next year. – Kayleigh Goergen

This is my first year doing Drama Club and I have to say that it was a great honor and so much fun to be a part of this group. Every year since I was young, I have gone to a Galway High Drama production, and if it was taken away I would be devastated. -Rebekah Reichard

To me, Drama Club is more than just a club, some after school activity. It’s been an experience that has changed me, and one I’ll never forget. Going to drama club was something that I looked forward to going to each day, and when I was there, I had a blast. I made many new friends and through the drama club I learned many new things outside of what we learn in class. Besides the obvious singing, acting, and dancing, drama club helps out memories because we need to learn our lines, cues, and blocking. It helps our organization, as we have to keep track of our costumes and props. It improves our public speaking and gives us more courage to be outgoing. Throughout these months, we have most of all learned about teamwork. We have all come together, and made something truly remarkable. This year, I’ve learned about history, the great depression, and life in the 1930s. Drama Club is something that means the world to me, an activity I’ve been looking forward to doing for a long time. I’m so glad for the opportunity to be in “Annie” this year and I can’t wait for the opportunity to be in Drama Club again next year. –Julianna Kopa

I’ve been in drama since I was little, so this is a natural continuation of things. Although I missed out on any important speaking parts, I’m now important in my own way. I provide the atmosphere for the plays through my trumpet and steal the show a bit for the pit band. –  Melissa MacDonald

All of my life I have enjoyed performing. Whether through dance recitals, chorus and band concerts, music, or drama, I have loved every moment. Being in “Annie” to start a foundation for my freshmen year in high school has been such an unbelievable experience. Not only for me I’m sure, but for everyone involved. I met, and became friends with many new people I probably never would have talked to otherwise if I hadn’t participated. I have been involved in band, music, and musical theater for many years now, but I still somehow learned many new things. Mr. Chatterton and Mrs. Valente improved my stage confidence tremendously, as well as some historical teachings, since “Annie” takes place in the 1930s. I have learned more about the time period than I ever would have in history class. The people here that worked with us such as everybody that worked on the costumes knew so much about their job, and that really helps when we put on the show. Every solitary person involved is so unbelievably useful in the production.

 I’m sure that anyone could find something they are interested in, to assist us through our drama journey, and if people would only realize that, saving arts and music would come so much easier. People like me want a future in this and if we get people interested and involved it could change our futures, for the better.

I am so looking forward to next year’s performance!! – Sarah Ostrowski

This is my second play. My first play was last year when I was in Aladdin Jr. This year I tried out for Annie, and although I did not get the part, it helped me open up and show them what I’ve really got! Chorus has also taught me a lot; I’ve been in chorus since I was in fourth grade. Music has always been a very important part of my life. Chorus is a way for me to learn and have something to look forward to every day. Art is the same way. I have always been interested in art. In the future, I would like to maybe be an Interior Designer. I need art classes for that. I feel like taking classes like art and chorus and being in drama club gives students something to focus on instead of doing something non-productive. It gives me something to look forward to every 3^rd and 4^th period. Taking away music and art would really hurt a lot of students as well as Drama Club! These classes are important to us! Please understand.–  Carley Allen

This is my first year doing Drama Club. I started off the production, timid and weary because this WAS my first show but I gradually have gotten more confident in preforming. Putting on a show is very hard work; it requires a team of dedicated people who work together. The play has taught me how to have more stage presence and how to sing without sounding like I’m dying. I’m very grateful that I got to be a part of the play this year, and I hope that I’ll have the same opportunity next year!

Enjoy the show! –  Ashley Fredericks

This is my first year in Drama Club so others have a greater appreciation for it than me, but for me to receive the same experience as them; Drama Club would need to still be here next year. Without drama I don’t think I would be so comfortable in front of a crowd, show my true personality or have the friends that I’ve made. Please keep the drama club! – Kelly Phillips

I have been a part of the Drama Club since freshman year. I started by being part of the set crew and it was like nothing I had ever experienced. The fast paced play “Guys and Dolls” got me sucked right in. Then sophomore year, Mrs. V asked me to act in it. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. By the end I was friends with everyone and we had a bond un-like anything I’ve ever experienced. Junior year I was part of something that was amazing. “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” made my junior year absolutely perfect. I remember crying, not because it was over, but because of how much fun it was. The Drama Club has made my high school experience amazing. I have been impacted by so many new people, new stories, and new songs. I feel very sorry if there is no play next year because I want students just like me to have this experience that has honestly made me a better person. – Lizzie Gribben

Galway High Drama has helped me so much in all areas of my life. It is a chance to meet people who enjoy the same things you do I have made so many friends who I otherwise wouldn’t have even known. Drama and music is something we are so lucky to have at our school. It gives us a chance to be someone else for a while, as we learn more about music and acting, and in each show we do learn interesting facts about history. The play season is my favorite time of the school year. Rehearsals are a break from the stresses of school and I get time to hang out with my friends while doing something I love. Throughout my time with Galway High Drama I have grown as a person as well as an actress. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity and I don’t know what I would do without it next year! -Sarah Kopa

This is my first year doing the play. However I have had such an amazing time. I have made so many new friends that I would never want to live without. I think the play is a huge part of Galway. It has taught not only me, but everyone participating many things. The biggest thing it taught me was responsibility. I mean going there until 8pm, and still getting all your homework done and keeping your other promises is hard. I hope I can keep doing this throughout the years and keep learning new things. – Jennica Nash